A real treasure: my favorite Heston
My favorite Charlton Heston movie isn't "The Ten Commandments," "Ben Hur" or even "Planet of the Apes" but a made-for-TV production that aired on TNT in January 1990:
It's a marvelous adaptation of R.L. Stevenson's great novel, starring Heston as Long John Silver and then-child actor Christian Bale as Jack Hawkins.
Excellent performances were delivered by Oliver Reed as Billy Bones and Christopher Lee as Blind Pew.
The movie is faithful to Stevenson, fast-paced, thrilling and beautifully presented. The reproduction of the ship looks authentic, locations are gorgeous and music is provided by The Chieftains. It's by far the best "Treasure Island" ever filmed. My boys and I enjoyed watching it many times on tape -- probably I more than they.
Heston, never regarded as a great actor, played the pirate's role well, with both charm and menace. His son, Frasier, produced and directed. I'm grateful for their work vividly bringing to life Stevenson's terrific tale of hidden treasure, dangerous men and a heroic boy.
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